By Special to the AFRO
Dorothy Anna Williams, known as “The Queen” to those who loved her, was the epitome of a true lady and devoted family matriarch. Her unmatched graciousness endeared her to everyone she met, and her warm, pleasant personality ensured a lasting impression. Cherished by many and respected by all, Dorothy’s incredible charm and zest for life inspired those around her.
Dorothy A. Bolden was born on Jan. 20, 1930, in Annapolis, Md., to John and Henrietta Bolden. She was their youngest child and the only daughter, with an older brother, Frank, who has since died. Due to her father’s service in the Navy, Dorothy lived in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania during her childhood. At 16, she moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., with her parents to help care for her brother’s two children.
While living in Brooklyn, Dorothy met her husband, Edgar Fitzroy Williams. They married in Fort Greene on Dec. 3, 1949, and remained together for 61 years until his death in June 2011. Together, they had three daughters, whom she insisted must have names that begin with the letter “D”: Denise, Doreen, and Diane. Eventually, the family moved to Queens.
While in New York, Dorothy worked for the federal government in the Department of Labor as a wage and hour specialist for 25 years before retiring in October 1980 at the age of 50. After her retirement, Dorothy took the opportunity to visit her daughters and grandsons, often traveling to Detroit or Baltimore for extended periods.
“Dot and Eddie” – as the couple was called – were also active members in their local Veterans Club, the 369th, and could usually be found at events or playing pinochle there.
Following the passing of her husband, Dorothy embraced a new chapter in her life by relocating to Maryland to be near her family. In Baltimore, she joined the Forest Park Senior Center, where she became a vibrant, active member. She dedicated her days to forging new friendships, sharing her voice in the choir, and engaging in lively pinochle games.
Lovingly known as “Grandma Dynamite,” Dorothy lived a joyful and fulfilling life. Her passion for traveling, both domestically and abroad, reflected her adventurous spirit, while her keen fashion sense and love for hats showcased her distinctive personality. Dorothy found joy in cooking and treasured moments with her family. You would often find her at the card table playing bid whist or pinochle, always raising a stemmed glass of Grand Marnier in celebration. In her later years, she embraced technology, using her iPad to refine and hone her pinochle skills when she wasn’t sitting on “The Bench” with her buddy, Frank.
Dorothy is survived by her three daughters: Denise S. DeLeaver, Doreen W. Frazier, and Diane W. Hocker; one son-in-law, Frank A. Hocker Sr.; one brother-in-law, Dr. Vernon St. Clair Williams; and five grandsons: Charles W. Frazier III, James E. Bentley II, Frank A. Hocker Jr., Timothy M. Hocker (Maria), and Adam T. Hocker Sr. She also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren: Nasja M. Frazier, Phoenix C. Frazier, Ashlyn J. Hocker, Markus A. Hocker, Sr., Adam T. Hocker Jr., Ayden T. Hocker, Frank A. Hocker III, Ava L. Hocker, Jatasha B. Cipriano, Jekka A. Baclao and Lorraine J. Hocker; as well as two great-great-grandsons, Markus A. Hocker Jr. and Nazir A. Rivers.
Dorothy is remembered by her nieces: Joyce B. Bolden, Myrna Bolden, Dawn Bolden Davis, Deborah A. McDaniels, Tizu T. Arrington (Mark), and Cecily A. Williams Blijd; nephews: Frank Bolden and Alan L. Bolden; grandnephews Kevin E. Harris, Xavier E. St. Clair Blijd, and Johan St. Clair Blijd along with a host of other relatives, and dear friends.
Funeral services for Dorothy Anna Williams will be held on May 3 at Wiley’s Funeral Home, located at 9200 Liberty Road, Randallstown. The service will begin at noon with designated family time, followed at 12:30 by a memorial service and celebration of life.